Second quarter 2006 publication by the World Bank Group unveiled a current World Bank portfolio in Lebanon consisting of 7 projects for a total commitment amount of $321.82 million, of which $122.78 million has been disbursed through May 31, 2006.
Bank Loans To Private Sector In August 2006
According to the Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL), bank loans to the private sector contracted by LBP 165.8 billion (0.6%) year-on-year to LBP 28,843 billion ($19.13 billion) as at end of August 2006. The trade and services sector registered the highest loan concentration (42.2%), followed by personal loans (18.25%).
Consumer and Food Basket Prices
The Central Administration for Statistics (CAS) revealed a 4.4% expansion in the average prices of consumption goods during the period December 2005 to September 2006.
Egypt’s Inflation
According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), Egypt’s inflation rate soared to 9.6% in September 2006, up from 3.8% during the same period last year. On a monthly basis, Egypt’s inflation stood at 1.1% in September 2006.
GDP Growth for the Third Quarter of 2006
The U.S. Department of Commerce reported a revised real GDP growth rate of 1.6%, the weakest rate since first quarter of 2003. During the second quarter of 2006, the U.S. real GDP grew by 2.6%.
